New FDA-Approved Treatment Offers Hope for TMJ Pain Sufferers

For millions of Americans, joint pain extends beyond the knees and shoulders, impacting their ability to chew and even speak. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), approximately 11 to 12 million adults in the United States experience temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, affecting the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. NIDCR offers comprehensive information on TMDs, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Emface: A Novel Approach to TMJ Pain Relief

Northwoods Dentistry in Phillips, Wisconsin, is now offering Emface, a recently FDA-approved procedure designed to treat TMJ pain. Dr. Mike Murphy, a dentist and co-owner of six Northwoods Dentistry locations, has observed the positive impact of Emface on his patients.

“I wake up every morning looking at my wife who has been suffering with TMJ muscle pain for years,” said Dr. Murphy, “and she’s been pain free since we introduced the technology a month ago and she’s loving it.”

From Aesthetics to Therapeutic Use

Although initially developed as a cosmetic procedure for facial tightening and toning – utilizing heat and energy to stimulate muscle activity – the FDA’s recent clearance for TMJ disorders has expanded Emface’s applications. NIDCR highlights the importance of understanding TMDs and seeking appropriate treatment.

Dr. Murphy explained, “It was originally created for facial aesthetics, think of a nonsurgical mini facelift that tightens and tones facial muscles using heat and energy to stimulate muscle activity. But the FDA recently cleared it for use for TMJ disorders which is what threw me over the edge as a dentist is to get the technology and help our patients with TMJ muscle pain.”

How Emface Works for TMJ Pain

Unlike its cosmetic application, Emface utilizes different settings when treating TMJ patients, actually decreasing muscle activity. Dr. Murphy believes this approach is highly effective.

“When you use it for the TMJ it actually decreases the muscle activity because you can use different settings on the machine,” he said.

Addressing Clenching and Grinding

Dr. Murphy anticipates Emface will provide significant relief for individuals struggling with uncontrollable clenching and grinding habits, often a source of TMJ pain. Research supported by the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network aims to identify factors contributing to treatment decisions for painful TMDs.

“I think we’re going to help a lot of people with it,” he said. “We’ve had numerous phone calls already asking about it. There’s a lot of people that have clenching and grinding habits that they can’t control it and they have a lot of pain and I think it’s going to be a great pain.”

Launch Party and Information Session

Northwoods Dentistry is hosting a complimentary launch party for Emface on March 5th, from noon to 6:00 PM. This event will provide an opportunity for individuals to experience the new technology firsthand. Those interested in attending can RSVP by calling Northwoods Dentistry in Phillips at (715) 339-3021.